New setup here

[Virtualbody1234]

Hi guys. I just got my new motherboard and CPU. 939 pin 64 bit. :)

I tried doing a repair install of XP but it didn't work right. It kept saying that i couldn't read files from the CD but in fact the files were there and readable. :unsure:

Anyway, I did a fresh install on a test drive and I still had more problems. The install completed fine but at bootup of the fresh XP, there was some strange video corruption. I have changed my graphics card to an old GeForce 2 and now it boots up. Made this post with new setup. :)

So, at this point I'm trying to see if there is a solution for this incompatibility between my graphics card and my new motherboard. (ATi 9600pro and MSI K8T NEO2 FIR)

Wish me luck.

[silent h3ro]

Ok um btw what 939 socket 64 bit cpu did u get? Just curious since I'm into AMD now.

[Virtualbody1234]

3000+ 90nm

[silent h3ro]

3000+ 90nm Nice! :01: Btw, good luck d00d. ;)

[Virtualbody1234]

Nice! :01: Btw, good luck d00d. ;)
Thanks. ;)

[tesco]

Nice setup.

hope you get the video card working. :)

[Virtualbody1234]

Got the card working. Cleaned the contacts and reseated it.

Sometimes the simplest solutions work.

Even my 'XP repair' install is working. :) But I will do a fresh install soon.

[tesco]

Another fresh install?

btw, how much was the motherboard+processor?

[Virtualbody1234]

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.

[tesco]

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.
ahh that's too much for me to spend. :(

[Spicker]

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.
Cheap!! :o

where did u buy it from? :wacko:

[Virtualbody1234]

http://www.ordicentre.com/OrdicentreMainE.htm

[Spicker]

nice...too bad they dont ship.. :lol:

but not like im buying anything atm :P :(

[clocker]

I ran into a similar set of problems with both the DFI LanParty ( would NOT POST with my 9600XT) and the new MSI Neo Platinum ( will not work with all three DIMM slots used).
Oddly, with the MSI I did not need to load SATA drivers during Windows install, in fact, trying to install the drivers would freeze the PC.
It was easily the crankiest XP install I have ever performed, but all seems well so far.

Have fun VB, you'll love it when you're done.

[RPerry]

VB1234,
Wish I had been home when you posted this. I am running the ATI All in wonder 9800 pro with no problems. I do however have a problem with my Ram. I noticed when I running my PC2700 that I was only showing 512mb. I tried it in slots 1+3 as per directions, but the bastard wouldn't boot up. I switched them to 2 and 4 as well with the same problem. So then I put them in slots 1+2, and I booted up with no problem, and was reading 1.0 gb of memory. After a reboot, I was only showing 512. I was not upset, as I went the next day and bought PC3200DDR 400 and installed that. I am having the same damn problem. 1GB of memory installed, only showing 512. if I try to put it in the directed slots ( 1+3 or 2+4) I get " Early chipset initialization" on my D-bracket warning lights, and it refuses to boot. I am about to take my whole case to the place where I bought the MB and processor, unless perchance you know of something I could have done wrong.....
incidently, the PC2700 is good, its installed on my old MB which I used to give my brother-in-law as a gift.
As you know, I have the same set-up as you, so hopefully you se something I might not have

[Virtualbody1234]

@RPerry, Look at the MSI site here: http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8T_Neo2-FIR&class=mb

At the left of the screen you'll see a list of supported memory. Are your sticks listed there? I am using 2 sticks of Corsair without problem. The only thing I don't see it display Dual Channel anywhere. But I did run the memory benchmarks in EVEREST Home Edition. It showed as Dual PC3200 DDR so I assume it really is running in Dual Channel mode. I'm still looking into this.

http://img149.exs.cx/img149/6272/mem1tv.gif

[RPerry]

actually, mine is not listed. I'm using:Centon Electronics IITG18TVC 512MB
though I find it hard to believe that this is the problem when its readin gone just fine, and I can switch them around and it still reads only one :blink:

[Virtualbody1234]

Are they modules with RAM chips on both sides of the stick or single sided?

[RPerry]

they have chips on both sides :cool:

[Virtualbody1234]

That could be your problem.
If you look at the MSI site you'll see:


Recommended Memory Combination List
DIMM Slots Max Speed
Green Purple
DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4
- S - - DDR 400
- D - - DDR 400
- S - S DDR 400
- D - D DDR 400
S S S S DDR 400
D D D D DDR 333
S: Single Side
D: Double Side


So to get double sided RAM to work they need to be in slots 2 and 4.

[RPerry]

I tried that,( read my original reply) Wouldn't work in 1+3 or 2+4, pc refuses to boot, and I get that light on my D-bracket, Early chipset initialization, thats where it freezes :(

[bigdawgfoxx]

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?

[RPerry]

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?

Shouldn't this be in a different topic :blink:

we were discussing the MSI K8TNeo2-FIR board :rolleyes:

[tesco]

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?
ya when you're installing Windows XP you need to press F6 or F5 or something like that to "install third party raid drivers" during the start of setup then insert the sata driver disc to install the drivers.

but clocker said that he didn't even need the sata drivers with his new motherboard. :unsure:

[RPerry]

its ok.... I"ll be going into Orlando tomorrow :(

[clocker]

but clocker said that he didn't even need the sata drivers with his new motherboard. :unsure:
Very observant, grasshopper.
VB or RPerry, perhaps you can confirm this if you are running SATA drives....
on my POST screen when it detects IDE drives, my SATA drives are listed as IDE 5 and IDE 6.
Each of my optical drives is on a single device cable into a dedicated IDE channel so MSI is showing this:
IDE 1...CD-RW
IDE 2...none
IDE 3...DVD-RW
IDE 4...none
IDE 5...WD Raptor
IDE 6...Seagate SATA

A very odd and unusual ( in my limited experience) way to list the devices.

Indeed, I did not load SATA drivers for the Windows install on this board.
Another first for me.
The driver diskette that came with the board offers two options when you do try the F6 move during install.
The first was a SATA RAID driver ( didn't really want this as there is no RAID array) and the other was the "nVidia Mass Storage Controller" driver.
I tried them separately and together and Windows locked up on any combination.
In desperation, I finally ignored the F6 protocol and much to my astonishment, Windows sailed on in.

It seems that I begin to feel that I have a grasp on this stuff only to be shown how meagre my understanding really is.

[RPerry]

Very observant, grasshopper.
VB or RPerry, perhaps you can confirm this if you are running SATA drives....
on my POST screen when it detects IDE drives, my SATA drives are listed as IDE 5 and IDE 6.
Each of my optical drives is on a single device cable into a dedicated IDE channel so MSI is showing this:
IDE 1...CD-RW
IDE 2...none
IDE 3...DVD-RW
IDE 4...none
IDE 5...WD Raptor
IDE 6...Seagate SATA

A very odd and unusual ( in my limited experience) way to list the devices.

Indeed, I did not load SATA drivers for the Windows install on this board.
Another first for me.
The driver diskette that came with the board offers two options when you do try the F6 move during install.
The first was a SATA RAID driver ( didn't really want this as there is no RAID array) and the other was the "nVidia Mass Storage Controller" driver.
I tried them separately and together and Windows locked up on any combination.
In desperation, I finally ignored the F6 protocol and much to my astonishment, Windows sailed on in.

It seems that I begin to feel that I have a grasp on this stuff only to be shown how meagre my understanding really is.


Sorry Clocker, I'm running IDE and not SATA drives :ph34r:
I do know how you feel though, this used to be so damn simple...

[Virtualbody1234]

I too am running IDE.

There was 2 diskettes supplied.
- PSATA RAID Driver For PDC20579 Chip
- VIA SATA RAID Driver For VT6420/VT8237

Clocker, remember that our K8TNeo2-FIR board isn't the same as yours. You have the Nvidia chipset, we have the VIA chipset.

[clocker]

Clocker, remember that our K8TNeo2-FIR board isn't the same as yours. You have the Nvidia chipset, we have the VIA chipset.
Aha!
Had not realized that.
My aversion to MSI precluded me doing any more reading about them than I had to, and, had the board not been sitting on the shelf right when I needed a replacement for my late, unlamented Chaintech ("Trainwreck") POS, I would probably never even have considered it.
In six months or so I'll be in socket 939 anyway, so it's only temporary.

[RPerry]

Just an update, I did take my PC into the shop where I bought my MB, and its the MB thats bad. So, I'll be taking it apart in the morning, and replacing it with a new one. hey.... **it happens :rolleyes:

[Virtualbody1234]

Really? What was wrong? What BIOS revision were you using?

[RPerry]

System BIOS Date 07/06/04

no matter what ram you put in it , it always shows half. I should have seen if I could have just switched board for board right there in the shop, I live an hr away. I still feel like I'm missing something.....
I put one 512 stick in when I got home, and now it shows:
OS: (WinXP Professional 5.1 Service Pack 2 (Build #2600)) ¤ OSInstall: (XP was installed 1wk 3days 44mins 27secs) ¤ Up: (2h 38m 50s) ¤ HD: (Total/Free: 223.58/118.33GB)VidCard: (ALL-IN-WONDER 9800 SERIES) ¤ Mem: (Usage: 204/256MB (79.69%)) ¤ CPU: (1 CPU - AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3000+, 1.80 GHz, L1: 64KB L2: 512KB (2% Load))

notice the 256mb :(

edit: VB1234 I have not returned the MB yet, have to put it in its box and bring it back in the morning. I brought my system in intact, to make sure it wasn't some other problem

[Virtualbody1234]

I think the BIOS revision is the problem. I updated mine as soon as I got my board. The stock revision doesn't properly support the new 90 nm CPUs (3000+, 3200+ and 3500+).

The memory controller is built into the CPU and without proper support the RAM isn't detected properly.

Do a model seacrch here: http://www.msicomputer.com/support/bios_result.asp

And get the revision 3.2:

K8T Neo2-FIR (MS-6702E-010) v. 3.2 319 kb AMD AMI BIOS 9/24/2004
1. This is AMI BIOS release.
2. This BIOS fixes the following problem of the previous version:
- Supports USB devices under DOS mode.
- Updates CPU Microcode (3000+, 3200+, 3500+).
- Fixes BIOS reporting incorrect CPU temperature.

[RPerry]

this must be the problem then, cause I just swapped the MB, came home and have the same problem. This is the last thing I'll try, then I guess I'm going with ASUS :rolleyes:

[Virtualbody1234]

Have you flashed the BIOS yet?

[RPerry]

not yet, I have to work tonight, so I'll probably leave it for tomorrow or the weekend, need to do something soon though, cause its driving me nuts knowing I'm only getting half my RAM :angry: I'll let you know :lol:

[Virtualbody1234]

So... Any news RPerry?

[RPerry]

Yeah, great news... I bought another Car on Saturday, and I saved alot of money by switching my car insurance to Geico :lol: ( I swear its the truth) I haven't had the time to do it yet, but hopefully tomorrow.

[Virtualbody1234]

MSI recommends to use the "MSI LiveUpdate utility".

I did mine the "manual" way because I did it before running Windows on it.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/download/dld/spt_dld_detail.php?UID=608&kind=1


Btw. In reference to your previous comment about Asus... They also require a BIOS update to run the new 90nm CPUs.

[RPerry]

MSI recommends to use the "MSI LiveUpdate utility".

I did mine the "manual" way because I did it before running Windows on it.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/download/dld/spt_dld_detail.php?UID=608&kind=1


Btw. In reference to your previous comment about Asus... They also require a BIOS update to run the new 90nm CPUs.

thanks for that info VB, I intended to use the liveupdate utility, but didn't check into the ASUS board. I'm just wondering why nobody else has had this problem...

[clocker]

Well guys, how are you enjoying life in the fast lane?
What HSFs are you using?

Have you noticed that these chips seem to heat up/cool down almost instantaneously?

[Virtualbody1234]

I'm using the stock cooler with stock thermal pad and yes I did notice that.

At idle it runs @36°C.
Instantly hits 41°C under full load (folding)

Instantly drops back down to 36 if I pause work.

Case temp shows 32°C.

I cannot get over the fact that the heatsink actually feels cold to the touch under load!

When they say these new 90nm CPU run cool, they're not kidding.

I haven't tried overclocking yet. I really don't see the need to. It runs fast the way it is.

[clocker]

I nabbed a CM Hyper48 HSF yesterday (my watercooling setup is undergoing a major revision) and am quite pleased with it so far.
Installation is a snap and the supplied 92mm fan is almost dead silent.

Naturally, I can't leave well enough alone, so tonight after work I'll be adding a 120mm fan to see what happens.

My running temps have been marginally lower than yours VB, but not by much ( and within the margin of error), so my results should be applicable to you also.

I'll let you know.

[Virtualbody1234]

@clocker,

I just tried an experiment you might be interested in...

The Cool 'n' Quiet technology feature of this motherboard.

With Cool 'n' Quiet - Off.

Idle: 36°C
Load: 41°C
CPU fan speed is 3200 RPM.

Now with the feature - On:

Idle: 37°C
Load: 43°C

But now for the best part... The CPU fan speed has dropped to:

Idle: 2050 RPM
Load: 2050 RPM

Very impressive results. It sounds dead quiet.

[clocker]

I have always had "Cool & Quiet" off anyway.
Not gonna pollute your thread with my experiments, VB.
I have a huge pile of parts to add so I'll just start yet another "Modding Sprocket" topic.

[RPerry]

So... Any news RPerry?

Believe it or not, I only just flashed my bios today using liveupdate. Kept putting this off cause 512mb was enough to keep me going until I installed Azureus.

This indeed was the problem as we thought, now showing 1.0 GB of ram :rolleyes:

[S!X]

3000+ 90nm

Could you afford anything better? :blink: :lookaroun

[RPerry]

Could you afford anything better? :blink: :lookaroun

I couldn't at the time, Remember, some of us don't get an "allowance" We have family's to feed and other bills to pay. I allow myself an upgrade about once a year, depending on whats out there. I enjoy my PC, but its not the most important thing I have. I much rather spend money taking Sideswiped out :w00t:

[S!X]

I couldn't at the time, Remember, some of us don't get an "allowance" We have family's to feed and other bills to pay. I allow myself an upgrade about once a year, depending on whats out there. I enjoy my PC, but its not the most important thing I have. I much rather spend money taking Sideswiped out :w00t:

:rolleyes: I get stuff bought for me since im special :D Whole new custom pimp rig commin (Summer 05) :w00t: :cool:

[Virtualbody1234]

Could you afford anything better? :blink: :lookaroun
I could have any (more expensive) one I wanted but is it the best choice? In fact I could spend a whole lot more if I want to. I have the money. It's just a choice.

The prices at the time were about:

3000+ $185
3200+ $265
3500+ $390
3800+ $600
FX over $1000

So you can see that for an extra 200+ speed increase you have to spend quite a difference in money. To me it wasn't worth it. I'm better saving my money and if I wait for prices to drop... I might even be able to buy the FX for a few hundred dollars later on.

And oh... 3000+ is plenty fast.

[RPerry]

I could have any (more expensive) one I wanted but is it the best choice?

The prices at the time were about:

3000+ $185
3200+ $265
3500+ $390
3800+ $600
FX over $1000

So you can see that for an extra 200+ speed increase you have to spend quite a difference in money. To me it wasn't worth it. I'm better saving my money and if I wait for prices to drop... I might even be able to buy the FX for a few hundred dollars later on.

And oh... 3000+ is plenty fast.


Not to mention we automaticlly had to replace our mainboards too, and they were almost as much as the processor ( socket 939 ) :cool:

[S!X]

I could have any (more expensive) one I wanted but is it the best choice? In fact I could spend a whole lot more if I want to. I have the money. It's just a choice.

The prices at the time were about:

3000+ $185
3200+ $265
3500+ $390
3800+ $600
FX over $1000

So you can see that for an extra 200+ speed increase you have to spend quite a difference in money. To me it wasn't worth it. I'm better saving my money and if I wait for prices to drop... I might even be able to buy the FX for a few hundred dollars later on.

And oh... 3000+ is plenty fast.

Just as long as it works fine for you, then its all good. :cool:

[Damnatory]

Btw. In reference to your previous comment about Asus... They also require a BIOS update to run the new 90nm CPUs.

Sorry to stray from the topic a bit, but I had a question about this statement...

I just bought a Athlon 64 3500+ winchester with the 90nm for my ASUS A8V-Deluxe, I was wondering if I'll need to flash my BIOS before I'll be capable of booting, and if so, is it possible to do so without temporarily installing a floppy?

[RPerry]

Sorry to stray from the topic a bit, but I had a question about this statement...

I just bought a Athlon 64 3500+ winchester with the 90nm for my ASUS A8V-Deluxe, I was wondering if I'll need to flash my BIOS before I'll be capable of booting, and if so, is it possible to do so without temporarily installing a floppy?

I had no problems booting, just a problem recognizing the RAM. I didn't even bother with a floppy at all, just used the live update program to do it through windows

[Damnatory]

just used the live update program to do it through windows

Does ASUS have this feature? Or is it a windows feature?

(I'm still using Win2k, but going to use the Retestrak XP Corp MegaDVD edition for system I'm building...)

[RPerry]

Does ASUS have this feature? Or is it a windows feature?

(I'm still using Win2k, but going to use the Retestrak XP Corp MegaDVD edition for system I'm building...)

Damn, It's an MSI feature. Check on the website for your MB, If I'm not mistaken, the newer Asus boards have dual bios chips and you might have something similiar for your Mainboard

[lynx]

Asus have an online bios update feature too.

But the Winchester's have been out long enough now, so the bios should support them straight from the box (my Abit board did, it even says 90nm on a sticker on the box) unless it has been sitting on the dealer's shelf for a while. You know what some of them are like, spend so much time OCing their systems they forget to rotate the stock. :rolleyes:

[RPerry]

Asus have an online bios update feature too.

But the Winchester's have been out long enough now, so the bios should support them straight from the box (my Abit board did, it even says 90nm on a sticker on the box) unless it has been sitting on the dealer's shelf for a while. You know what some of them are like, spend so much time OCing their systems they forget to rotate the stock. :rolleyes:

Thanks for checking that out Lynx, I was being lazy myself, had alot to do yesterday/last night :(

[clocker]

unless it has been sitting on the dealer's shelf for a while. You know what some of them are like, spend so much time OCing their systems they forget to rotate the stock. :rolleyes:
Thought you could slide that by me, eh?
So far, all of our boards have dealt with the 90nm Winnies just fine and as long as the RAM is 512 sticks it's been recognized as well.

1GB modules are another story.
Yesterday's build (3000+ on a Chaintech board) would only recognize the RAM in slots 2 and 4.
No real problem as he only(!!??) wanted 2GB, but as he had hinted that he might add more later, we tossed in two more sticks just to see what happened.
Only showed as 2.75GB. No matter what order we installed.

Hope he doesn't decide to get more later.

On a side note...
I've now used the nVidia 6200 "TurboCache" video cards on two builds with surprising results.
Essentially, they are 6600GTs with the memory stripped off and they use system RAM.
Works very well for a <$100 card and is a cheap way to get into PCI-Express, with room to upgrade later.

[Virtualbody1234]

I just bought a Athlon 64 3500+ winchester with the 90nm for my ASUS A8V-Deluxe, I was wondering if I'll need to flash my BIOS before I'll be capable of booting, and if so, is it possible to do so without temporarily installing a floppy?
It should boot with the older BIOS and once you do that you can see the BIOS rev. on the first black screens. With the revision number in hand, check ASUS web site to see if you need a new revision or not.